MEDIA ADVISORY/NEWS RELEASE

Father Arrested in Child's Death

On August 20, 2009, at 5:28 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department received a call from hospital personnel advising that a twenty two month old boy was transported to the hospital and had died.

The mother of the victim called the Sacramento Fire Department for medical aid. The Fire Department responded and transported the child to U.C. Medical Center where he later died.

Homicide and Crime Scene Investigators responded due to the age of the victim. Initially Detectives believed that the child may have died from natural causes. As the investigation progressed into the late morning hours, it was determined that injuries on the child as well as other evidence obtained during the investigation pointed to the child's father being responsible for child abuse.

It is unknown at this time if the father is responsible for the child's death. Detectives are awaiting the Coroner's Autopsy findings to determine if any additional charges will be filed.

The father is being identified as 28-year-old Paul Harper. The child is being identified as 22 month old Paul Harper Jr.